r/GuineaPig • u/MelodieRive • 1d ago
How to keep them stimulated
Hi!!
It's a LONG story. But my sister (18) has a guinea pig which she was looking after while the owner cared for a sick relative and the owner just didn't want it back. She came to care for him when she was looking after him so decided to keep him rather than him be given to someone random.
I say this because I don't want people thinking she got the guinea pig without thinking about the future.
She goes to uni in September and she has asked if I would have him at my house.
So really I'm looking for advice on how I can make sure he is enriched fully how is best to get him used to being handled by me and what I need to buy. He isn't in a pair because his friend sadly passed away and he has been aggressive when doing potential introductions and the vet advised it would be best to stop trying.
I know that him being on his own can be hard for him so I want to make sure he is getting everything he needs and I am a good fit before making the commitment to take him in August.
It's me or a sanctuary which we will consider if I don't think I can give him what he needs and they can.
Sorry this post is a bit all over the place! I am also going to be doing extensive research elsewhere too but experience is always best to get advice !
Thanks in advance for any advice.
6
u/tempelton3thesock 1d ago
Take them out as much as possible every day. They don’t have to be in hands or lap u can make a lil spot for them to chill and watch tv with you under a blanket.Also if u have money and the space expand their cage space even if ur expanding up. They love to feel included
1
u/Man-idek 13h ago
https://reddit.com/link/phga1ii/video/cggko92ma6wh1/player
Fudge liked her treat dispenser! It’s a cat toy. You have to monitor them while they use it because it’s plastic, but it kept her preoccupied lol
1
u/Man-idek 13h ago
https://reddit.com/link/phgahkq/video/8e50eks7b6wh1/player
She also learned how to use stacking cups. I assisted her for a while, but she got the hang of it quickly. It’s very fun to watch, she would drag some of them into her hides and throw them around
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u/Un_Pollo_Hermano 1d ago
They dont need Stimulation, they sleep, eat and shit the whole day. As long as there is food, no need to force them to more Introductions
2
u/tempelton3thesock 9h ago
Why even have them if ur gonna treat them like that? Don’t u want them to be happy. Do u not care about them so much that u think they need no stimulation. They very much do friend. They are the most emotionally intelligent of all the rodents. Please make ur pigs happy or if y don’t really want them find another home or surrender to pet shelter. Not trying to get on ur back bro just pointing out ur very wrong on the attention ur lil potatoes need
7
u/Funny-Shelter9330 1d ago
Give him plenty of floor time, tunnels, hideouts, chew toys, hay-stuffed cardboard boxes, and gentle daily interaction, letting him approach you at his own pace while checking with a guinea pig-savvy vet about whether a carefully matched companion might still be possible.